Instructions for Mosaic Bird Bath

Clean the terracotta saucer and any stones or pebbles you're using in water. Let dry overnight.

Seal the surface of the saucer by painting on polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue mixed with water (1 to 1 ratio) with a foam brush. Paint the stones or pebbles (if using them) with linseed oil using a clean foam brush. Let dry overnight. Wipe off any excess linseed oil with a clean cloth.

Paint the saucer with adhesive primer using a clean foam brush. Allow to dry for an hour.

Trace your design on the bottom of the saucer with a pencil. Break up the tiling materials to fit your pattern using a hammer or wheeled tile cutter (wear safety glasses when cutting and breaking up tile). Paint the PVA adhesive on the back of the tiling materials using a foam brush and press the materials into place. Leave 1/8 inch of spacing between each tiling piece to allow for grout. Let dry for 24 hours.

Spray the mosaic piece with water. Mix the dry grout with the ad-mix in a clean bucket using a clean stir stick. Scrape the sides often as you're mixing, and mix to the consistency of toothpaste. Wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask when mixing.

Grout your mosaic piece. Apply lumps of grout to the surface and work the grout into spaces between each tiling piece with your fingers (wear rubber gloves). Let the grout dry for about 15 minutes. Use a dry tiling sponge to remove the excess grout, then buff with paper towels using small circular motions. Allow the grout to cure for 48 hours.